We haven't been to the ROT before and don't know what to expect. Where would be the best place to camp and what should we bring with us? We are tenting it. 

Thanks for your help

Taz

Radar_Taz said:

We haven't been to the ROT before and don't know what to expect. Where would be the best place to camp and what should we bring with us? We are tenting it. 

 

  Taz,

 

  you have come to the right place.  If you keep an eye on the post in here you will learn just about all you need to know about ROT.  A lot of good info gets passed on.

 

  Here are my words of wisdom:

 

1. Bring an open attitude.  ROT is a wild party the doesnt stop, if you think you have seen it all, think again
2. Sunscreen.  It gets down right hot
3. Beverages.  Stay hydrated. 
4. Beads, should be self explained
5. Find a good camping spot.  Some are busier than others.  Parade route has great view, but never stops.
6. Friendly attitude, lot of good people there.
7. Did I mention Beads and Beverages of choice (stay hydrated)
8. Check these forums regulary and get to know everybody.

 

  Ok.  Those are my words of wisdom. (of course this is only my second ROT), so take them as you please.

 

Yogi

Thanks for the advice Yogi...Beware the Park Ranger

TAZ

taz

Hey Taz, welcome to the fourm.  I'm Spirit, the board modrator, glad you posted.  ROT is the best party in Texas, imo.  It is none stop good time from the second you arrive till the minute you reluctantly leave.  If you are not planning next years trip to ROT as you are pulling away, you will be one of the few.

There is a thread around here about what to bring to ROT that will be beneficial and lots of other info to help you.  This forum is new, we just moved here a week or so ago.  The old forum has much more information to help you.  Here is a link to the site.  http://rotrally.websitetoolbox.com

If there is a thread you want to refer to, just start a new thread on this site, post the link and ask your question.  There is a lot of stuff over there to help you.  Anything you don't find just ask, the forum members are friendly and helpful.

Taz,

Welcome. ROT is unlike any of the other 'big' rallies since everything happens in the campground--really. We did ROT and the Buffalo Chip last year--no comparison in where the 'party' occured--it was at ROT.  True, the rides through the Black Hills are hard to beat, but the BBQ in Texas makes up for the 'hot' ride to get there with a few less mountains and buffalo. Though 'The Chip' had signs saying, "Parade Route", and we brought our cart, we never saw a parade nor bead transactions nor anything even close to a Wednesday night at the ROT.  We've done Daytona multiple times--everything is spread out.  In short, with few exceptions, no other rally has EVERYTHING happening at the sight of the camping, the entertainment, and the shopping/vendors.  So...what to bring:

1) Plastic bags (hey, fill them with beads to start)--great for hauling ice and icing down beer during concerts

2) Shopping money--lots of vendors

3) If you can fit them, extra poles to hold up more shade tarps (if you're trailering the bikes, should be easy)

4) Rope & hammer(s) to assemble camp

5) Digital camera and means to recharge same (even if it's your phone--don't forget the charger)

6) Extra bungee/cargo nets (assuming you are riding--good for securing the load of goodies)

You can expect the campground to run (parade route) from 6pm (ok...maybe 8pm on Wednesday) until 3am or so.  If you are near the route...expect noise.  Shade is a premium--it's hot.  There are tent campers who trailer in with generators and protable A/C units for their tents--don't be surprised.  The police presence inside the grounds is to keep things civil--which is really quite easy.  The presence outside the grounds are not so friendly--staying on-site is good for you and them.  

ROT is the best rally around--hands down--and that's from a mixture of GREAT people and a great venue with good (sometimes great) entertainment. 

Have fun...take pictures!

Rocket

Really good tips Rocket....I didn't realize the fun starts WEDNESDAY night already?! Good to know!

Wednesday night is probably one of the coolest nights at ROT.  The only people on the rally site are the vendors, staff and campers.  The rally isn't open yet so there is no shopping, no food service, no beer vendors....just a good group of people ready for the official party to kick off the following morning.  People who have campsites set up are offering to help those who don't.  The beads, booze and goodwill of a Wednesday night is hard to match anywhere.  Its like a huge private pre-party.

  I agree, wednesday night is really cool.  Not quite so many of the young kids on 4 wheelers trying to run people over, its just about those that are serious to be there.  Good way to get the party started.

Wednesday! Thats my favorite night. Except Thursday, Friday and of course Saturday.

I have to work wednesday night. BUMMER!! oh well, I will see you all Thursday morning.

boomer said:

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I have to work wednesday night. BUMMER!! oh well, I will see you all Thursday morning.

Everyone's advice has been helpful...We appreciate it very much...For a few minutes we didn't know what the beads were for then it hit us...DUH....Hope to make lots of new friends...

TAZ

Bring an extra liver!!

Radar,Taz

You are welcome to set up your tent in our area!We have 9 20x50 rv spots in the orange section. We set the rvs in a non tradional way, we actually have a court yard setting in the center of the rvs. People who are tent camping set up there and we all just pitch in and help one another according to their needs. If you get hot during the day just hop in our rv or the pool!! This envite my sound a little strange from a complete stranger but thats the way most people roll at ROT! Just consider me a friend you just have'nt met yet!!

Todd

(orange section, second row of the parade route)

P.S.If you want to do this, I send you exact details!!

Hey Todd, are you on the Forum RV list?   If not, what spaces are you in and I'll get you added.

OR..........You could camp with the SOBs and live ROTn (instead of just watching the show!!!!!!!!!!)

Spirit,

I am in orange 170! I think we have all the spaces on that row, My friend from Longview has had these spots for many years, He is organizing it all.Its really cool how he sets up all the rvs to make a court yard effect, The old web site you can actually see how he does this from the photo album labeled grounds! You can see a arial view. I can't find the photo albums on this web site? Did they transfer them over? (The photo albums from previous years) people of rot, grounds,bike show,ect...

Please add me to the Forum RV List

Thanks,

Todd

Spirit said:

Wednesday night is probably one of the coolest nights at ROT.  The only people on the rally site are the vendors, staff and campers.  The rally isn't open yet so there is no shopping, no food service, no beer vendors....just a good group of people ready for the official party to kick off the following morning.  People who have campsites set up are offering to help those who don't.  The beads, booze and goodwill of a Wednesday night is hard to match anywhere.  Its like a huge private pre-party.

Well stated, Ma'am!  I love Wednesday arrival!

there is a really good long list on the old forum under "Tent & Off Sight Camping" titled "WHAT WOULD YOU NOT CAMP WITHOUT?"  I don't know how to do the link-thing...maybe Spirit could help me out here...but it is a very comprehensive list from experienced ROTn campers, that covers suggestions last year and this year.  excellent tips for campers.  new tips are great here, as well.  Welcome!

Ededoreddie said:

OR..........You could camp with the SOBs and live ROTn (instead of just watching the show!!!!!!!!!!)

ABSOLUTELY!!  We SOBers live ROTn at the Shack Out Back, behind Paradise Bar!

MEL_ said:

there is a really good long list on the old forum under "Tent & Off Sight Camping" titled "WHAT WOULD YOU NOT CAMP WITHOUT?"  I don't know how to do the link-thing...maybe Spirit could help me out here...

Yes maam...

http://rotrally.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=3484334

Thanks Spirit!

Great Answer!

Rocket,

I'm a first timer too, and your advice is really helpful.  I'm not riding in from far (Killeen), so I plan on getting there early and setting up behind the Paradise Bar.  I'm from New Orleans, so you know I'll be bringing booze AND beads.  This sounds like so much fun--I can't wait to get there. 

Hope to catch up with you at the Rally.

Banzai

Yogi,

Thanks--this helps me out too.  My first time at ROT. It sounds great--I can't wait to get down there.

Banzai