I've been trying to get to the ROT rally for years. Finally 2011 is a go!

I'll be riding in from SW GA, and my plan is to tent camp on site. Hey, it's free and no worries about getting a DUI, right?  Hopefully one of my buddies will be able to come too, but his company might not let him take vacation during that time. But regardless, I'm coming even if I'm by myself. Part of the fun is making friends anyway.  If all goes well I should arrive sometime Wednesday afternoon/evening.

So, back to the topic of tent camping at ROT. Advice? Words of wisdom and/or experience? I'm coming to party, so no need for the "if you want any sleep..." advice, lol, but definately tell me where to camp for the wildest party.  Anything I should bring that I might not normally think of? Will there be carry-away beer for sale that I can put in a cooler at my camp site?  Can I park my bike at my camp site? If a train leaves Chicago at 8:30 AM and a tree falls in the woods but no one hears it, do woodchucks actually even chuck wood?

All advice is appreciated!  Thanks!

Aaron

Tito,

 

Welcome to the party...it's worth the drive.  We're from NW Florida (Panhandle), so we'll likely travel the same I-10 routing.  Our group is spread out at the end of C/B rows in Purple at the corner of the parade route where Purple meets Lime lot. Stop by to say hi.  Haven't camped (only RV'ed).  The S.O.B.'s (see other threads) used to have an area by the Paradise Bar on the parade route.  Since the PB is getting moved off the route this year, I've not heard where they are camping this year.  Wherever they camp, that's likely a great place to be near/around.  Other places include up near the stage area--stumbling distance to the concerts.  Or, up in the shade of the trees--when it's hot, that's a plus.  The area by the small pond across from the concert area is also popular--it's close to the air conditioned restrooms.  As for the other questions...

 

Beer for take out...there's a drive-through beer barn on the parade route.  Prices are reasonable.  There's a service station/quickie-mart just outside the grounds on Decker Lane...also have beer by the case/six-pack/suitcase.  You can stock up during the mid-day or after a ride in the Texas Hill Country.  Check the forum for some of those destinations--the ones that hit the BBQ spots are scenic and the BBQ is as good as Texas is large.  Of course, if you've not been to Luckenbach, TX, well...here's your chance.

 

And when it comes to making friends, you'll make TONS...some will be pick-up friends you only see once a year (at ROT); others will be the kind you keep fiinding reasons to meet up with over and over again.  And THAT's what makes ROT so different from a lot of other rallies--the people you meet...can't be beat!

 

See you there (or maybe at the S.E.E.N.B.O.O.B.I.E.S).

Rocket

Welcome to the forum Tito!  This is a great place to meet some people online prior to the rally.  Then on Thursday night, I host a Meet and Greet at my campsite for the forum members and you can put a face with the poster.   It starts around  6:00 and we usually have a pretty good crowd show up.  This is the fourth year for it and it seems to grow a little each year. 

 

There aren't any bad spots at the rally, just some that are better.  The SOB's (Shack Out Backers) are a group of posters that camp in a nice shady area.  You might want to camp with them.  If you prefer to camp solo (or with your friend) you should be able to find a spot that will suit your needs.  The rally grounds are huge.

 

 

I keep hearing about the SOBs.  I guess I need to meet some of those folks if that's where the party is at!

Looking fwd to the rally!

Rocket,

I just went and read your S.E.E.N.B.O.O.B.I.E.S. thread.  I'm swinging my leg over on Tuesday morning to roll out of GA, so making it to Beaumont in one day would be a push. I've done an 11 hour stretch before but it will probably just depend on stuff like traffic, weather, how I feel, etc... I don't want to be wore out before I even get to the rally. LOL.  But hey, If I leave early enough it's a definite possibility. Especially if you've got something fun lined up! Hey, if I ride that far in one day to party with y'all on Tuesday night I want one of the S.E.E.N.B.O.O.B.I.E.S. shirts or whatever y'all were talking about in the other thread! LOL!

I'm assuming the RV park or wherever on Tues night wouldn't have a problem with me throwing my little tent up beside my bike for a night?

 

Aaron

aka: TitoFTW

TitoFTW said:

I keep hearing about the SOBs.  I guess I need to meet some of those folks if that's where the party is at!

Looking fwd to the rally!

 

Welcome Tito

      the SOB is a great place to hang you need to chat with MEL or EddednEddie they now all about that and the Slipper Nipple TUE night.  You can start checking in Wed Morning find camp spot.  I know we have room Near our Camp spot!!!  we are right on the Parade Route can not miss us just look for the sign that says "US ARMY SODLIERS SHOW US YOUR BOBBIES" we will have the Army flag, POW flag, and American flag Up with the TEXAS flag tent left side of the route.  Just look for the CAV HATs also that be the group.   Try and stock up on water they will charge you $5 dollars a bottle and they are the small ones, Beer flows good thru our camp site we start out with around 360 to 400 beers on ice.  You are welcome to camp in our area. You are just going to have to remind me!!!!!  Any No worries Welcome the more the better!!!!

Monster   

Monster said:

Welcome Tito

      the SOB is a great place to hang you need to chat with MEL or EddednEddie they now all about that and the Slipper Nipple TUE night.  You can start checking in Wed Morning find camp spot.  I know we have room Near our Camp spot!!!  we are right on the Parade Route can not miss us just look for the sign that says "US ARMY SODLIERS SHOW US YOUR BOBBIES" we will have the Army flag, POW flag, and American flag Up with the TEXAS flag tent left side of the route.  Just look for the CAV HATs also that be the group.   Try and stock up on water they will charge you $5 dollars a bottle and they are the small ones, Beer flows good thru our camp site we start out with around 360 to 400 beers on ice.  You are welcome to camp in our area. You are just going to have to remind me!!!!!  Any No worries Welcome the more the better!!!!

Monster   

 

Monster,

Thanks! That's fucking awesome of you to offer. I'll remind you. I'm also an Army vet so that might be the place for me to camp ESPECIALLY if that's where the party be...although I was Airborne, not cav, so that'll make for interesting drunk conversations. LOL.

TitoFTW said:

 

Thanks! That's fucking awesome of you to offer. I'll remind you. I'm also an Army vet so that might be the place for me to camp ESPECIALLY if that's where the party be...although I was Airborne, not cav, so that'll make for interesting drunk conversations. LOL

 

Yo as long as you are not a Five jump chump you will be alright two of us are retired and one of our bro's is still in!!!!  But all of us where Armored Cav,  Each of us have over 20 years service.  We even have a retired CSM that sets up across from us With his Bro's It is a kick ass time.  We have a few of our 5 group brothers come and stay when they get a chance.  any way you will have a good time. 

Monster!!!   

Oh ya NO SHOP TALK we are here to party it up!!!!!!!!!!

Monster

LOL! No, I'm not a 5 jump chump. I spent time in the 82nd,... and did you say some of your bros are 5th group? As in 5th SFG(A), Ft. Campbell, KY? I'm not a long-tabber (I always want to be clear that I'm NOT SF qualified. I hate posers who pretend to be something they're not, so I don't want anyone thinking I'm claiming to be a greenie beanie.), but I was the NBC det commander in the 5th group support company. I did one of my deployments with 5th group.  I'm not a retiree, I got out (honorably of course) for my own reasons.

No, no f---ng shop talk. I'm coming to party!

 

(You can't say that, Board Rule #5)  :D   <--oops, sorry. LOL.

Welcome man, You will love ROT its one hell of a rally, Last year was my first and learned a lot about what to do and where to go this year especially after the 13 hour ride to get there! lol

TitoFTW said:

LOL! No, I'm not a 5 jump chump. I spent time in the 82nd,... and did you say some of your bros are 5th group? As in 5th SFG(A), Ft. Campbell, KY? I'm not a long-tabber (I always want to be clear that I'm NOT SF qualified. I hate posers who pretend to be something they're not, so I don't want anyone thinking I'm claiming to be a greenie beanie.), but I was the NBC det commander in the 5th group support company. I did one of my deployments with 5th group.  I'm not a retiree, I got out (honorably of course) for my own reasons.

No, no f---ng shop talk. I'm coming to party!

 

(You can't say that, Board Rule #5)  :D   <--oops, sorry. LOL.

 

Yes from fort campbell,  when where you stationed there.  I was there from 05 to 07!!!!!!! 101st Sustainment B

Monster,

I was there 04 - 05.

Aaron

Tito, welcome to the ROT rally!  I have ridden out of Cocoa Beach Florida the last 3 years, and this year will be no exception.  I am heading out a few days prior to you, but I do want to let you know that the push into Tx from, say... I-75 and I-10 intersection is doable, but makes for a long day.  I have done Houston to Gainsville in one shot.  Took me a while to wake up the next morning though, and that was after the ROT rally! 

All in all, make the trip and see ya there!  Also, shoot me a message or email... have some other info for ya!

Monster!  I will stop by again this year!  I am the one from Fl that wore the Combat Vet patch in and y'all all sure treated me good! 

ScooterT

Scooter, I sent you a message.

TitoFTW..............I haven't spoken to Mel yet but I believe the SOBs are gonna stay where we were last year (maybe just move a little closer to the parade route since the paradise Bar won't be there)......Plenty of shade and good times in the SOB! You might even get to see a full "Moon" but I'll let Mel tell you all about that..........Anywho, I'm bringing whisky this year for the Midnight toasts at the FUB!!!!!!!!!!

So the tent camping is like find a place and set up nothing is assigned?

Welcome to ROT...........You will love it till you puke.. The loop where PB was the last few years is by far the best place to put a tent. It is flat, shaded, and is a small getaway from all the revving and tire burning. Mel's SOBers are a great group to hang with and very welcoming. We didn't stay with them when we camped in that area, but when I went in to meet them they all offered a place for a tent. There are several other posters in that same loop. Heck anywhere you put your tent you wont be far from a poster. At ROT you will never be more than a few people away from one of us. Travel safe and see ya at the rally. Tom

Sorry it took to long to reply, I am not SF but have worked with them and the guys that show up most are retired anyway. 

I will be arriving at ROT on Wed before 10 AM i have to set up camp i am bringing a lot of Crap!!!!!  Tents, generator, grills, ect.

Like I said before find a spot set up tent and Party on!!!!!!!!!   Safe ride to the ralley!!!!   BEER!!! BEER!!! BEER!!! SAID THE Private!!!! 

I am new to ROT and new to camping (sorta).  How nasty is the humidity at night?  Us AZ fat men are used to dry heat.

VERY NASTY! A good number of folks are bringing battery operated fans and making swamp coolers with their ice chests. What I always do is just stay up 'til you can't stand up and then it doesn't bother you............you will sleep like a baby.......be sure and bring some chigger spay and spray the ground where you want to set up the tent and then put a tarp on the ground under the tent. It's the bugs that'll mess with you! Is your last name Isbell??????? Just wondering, I've got a friend who used to go by Big Mike, but it might be pretty common.

Have some kind of chair to sit in.  Bring a cool hat - it's hotter than hell during the day.  Get a Rubber Ducky wristband - they have a great place to shower/shave/brush in the mornings.  Read my post "Reflections on ROT 2010" in the General Discussion section.

Overall, Aaron, you'll pretty much write your own book at ROT.  Some people think it's an idiotic waste of time and money and they couldn't care less about ever going again. Others love every minute of it and make it a major part of their lives. Some just go to the downtown party and never go near the grounds, while others do the opposite.

I personally didn't enjoy my first time there last year, but there were some specific things that would have made it work.  Not a big deal, different strokes and all that.  I'll be back.

ROT is an awfully, awfully big, complex shebang. As one poster said, all the pieces are there; it's up to you to look for the ones you want and put them together. 

 - Ruark

This is going to be my 9th year. I have had good times and bad you haft to take it for what it is.

No eddie, not my last name.  But thanks for the info.

Yes you are right Ruark, to each their own.  How the heck are you!!!!  Life has changed dramaticly for me over the past year but I hope I will always be at ROT no matter what and love every minute of it.  I love the party part of it but I love my RV lot, If I need a time out I go to the RV.   Close to the parade route but close to quiet time if I need it.