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Landrum · 01-07-2014, 05:44 PM

My family is fairly new to THE lifestyle and we are considering our first big trip this summer which would include the International rally in Gillette WY. (We've spent the last year just taking long weekend trips) There isn't a lot of details that I can find about what to expect regarding activities and schedule. I realize that's a fairly open question, but I do have a couple of more specific issues. I doubt we would stay the whole week, so I would be interested in opinions on arriving late vs leaving early. I'm also curious if folks think small kids would be entertained for a few days. Thanks

dwightdi · 01-08-2014, 06:43 AM

We took our 12 year old grandson to the International in Madison, WI. There were 71 kids in the kids' activities program. He had a ball and still talks about it. I am sure they will keep them busy again this year with things that match their interests. We were at Gillette three years ago and the facilities were excellent and there were many things to see in the area. It can be a little windy and hot during the day and cool at night.

Ed Emerick · 01-13-2014, 03:59 PM

Normally the youth program is excellent, well run. The kids make friends from all over the US. However it is not a baby sitting service. Our kids were raised at this event.....

Landrum · 01-14-2014, 04:33 PM

Well. We started planning the trip and quickly realized we could spend the week in SD at Custer State Park and The Badlands and still not see it all. It looks like we will be very close to the rally but have decided not to attend.

Thank you though.....we may try another year.

jaydthompson · 01-20-2014, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptainNecro

Well. We started planning the trip and quickly realized we could spend the week in SD at Custer State Park and The Badlands and still not see it all. It looks like we will be very close to the rally but have decided not to attend.

Thank you though.....we may try another year.

Also go to Medora to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. We had wild horses grazing on our camping spot

chevl66 · 04-07-2014, 12:18 PM

Wondering about at the international event - is it ONLY trailer camping or can you have a tent also? We are deciding on whether we would be able to make it to Gillette, but then we have potentially more kids that may want to come along (which would necessitate a tent as well).

I couldn't find this info anywhere...

dwightdi · 04-07-2014, 12:48 PM

I am not sure that the Camplex facility allows more that one camping unit on each of its sites. When I was there three years ago the campsites were pretty small and there was not much space to put up a tent. It was difficult to park our big dually within the allowed space. You might try calling Camplex in Gillette. WBCCI likely does not have the required authority to allow tents.

DanB · 04-07-2014, 01:10 PM

I'd think a simple email or phone call to the organizers would help!

HowieE · 04-08-2014, 10:05 AM

I strongly suggest you contact a WBCCI Regional officer or above with your questions.

What you are considering a Life Style may be more like a Culture Shock if you show up with a tent. My first Airstream rally we showed up as guests of my in laws with a tent trailer and had to park behind a barn so the could not see us. We called it Row Z.

RickDavis · 04-08-2014, 12:49 PM

If you check the website for the Gillette site there are 1000's of boondocking spots.
Unfortunately since 2010 the powers that be think we all want full hookups for an extra $200. (could that be why attendance has dropped by over 50 % since then?)
seems with all that available something could be worked out. The bigger problem could be that the hookup sites may be to small to put the tent.

Ed Emerick · 04-08-2014, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chevl66

Wondering about at the international event - is it ONLY trailer camping or can you have a tent also? We are deciding on whether we would be able to make it to Gillette, but then we have potentially more kids that may want to come along (which would necessitate a tent as well).

I couldn't find this info anywhere...

I have seen a tent outside of an Airstream trailer at an International Rally. The Airstream did not have enough room so the owners added a tent for the teenaged kids. This was on their site.

chevl66 · 04-09-2014, 11:27 AM

Thanks for the suggestions. I didn't think about boondocking in the area. I grew up near there, and haven't been back for years. Thought it would be fun to take everyone - necessitating the tent.

Still mulling it over...

noreen&sal · 04-09-2014, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HowieE

I strongly suggest you contact a WBCCI Regional officer or above with your questions.

What you are considering a Life Style may be more like a Culture Shock if you show up with a tent. My first Airstream rally we showed up as guests of my in laws with a tent trailer and had to park behind a barn so the could not see us. We called it Row Z.

Did they say there goes the neighborhood? Sal

rideair · 04-09-2014, 10:37 PM

I would just like to see it come back to the east coast one more time. The International Rally up in VT was great! Lots of big campgrounds in Myrtle Beach, SC right on the ocean that could handle it no problem. Just think, an International Rally right on the beach, talk about things to do for the kids! that weat coast or out in the middle of no where is just to long of a drive for us working folk on the east coast.

Y'all enjoy,

xrvr · 04-10-2014, 05:54 AM

I think there was talk of an east and a west rally. Now that the Florida state rally is gone I do not think there are any large ones on the east coast. Jim

AirHeadsRus · 04-10-2014, 06:57 AM

Jim, the Florida State Rally was last week in the Keys. I think the count was 116 Airstream from all over. We had a great time. I expect it will be even bigger next year.

xrvr · 04-10-2014, 08:50 AM

Still smaller than it used to be. Glad all went well. Jim

wkerfoot · 04-10-2014, 09:13 AM

Paul,

I think the 2016 International will be in West Virginia.

Are you headed out to the ABQ Balloon Fiesta this year?

Bill

Quote:

Originally Posted by rideair

I would just like to see it come back to the east coast one more time. The International Rally up in VT was great! Lots of big campgrounds in Myrtle Beach, SC right on the ocean that could handle it no problem. Just think, an International Rally right on the beach, talk about things to do for the kids! that weat coast or out in the middle of no where is just to long of a drive for us working folk on the east coast.

Y'all enjoy,

rideair · 04-10-2014, 10:54 AM

Bill,

Still on the fence about that one. Waiting to see if a buddy that flys the Owl & Pussycat balloon is doing this year and maybe sign as a secondary pilot with him or take my own. We had a great time last year, I was blessed to have a buddy help with the drive out 27 hours straight through.

Long ride out & back.

Glad to hear International might make it to WV, anyone know where?

Enjoy,