So what is everyone doing about transportation?

[inert]

I am flying in on Wednesday, checking into my hotel, and the initial plan was to wake up early and go to DC. I wasn't planning on renting a car. At first I was weary about going to the Defcon Shoot, because: booze + firearms = HOLYF**K!! But after following the posts for awhile I realized that the event is very well organized, civil, etc. I don't want to be left out of the fun. So what is the transportation plan? Are people convoying to the range via their on personal POV or are people carpooling? If people are car pooling, I am willing to chip in with gas, and share my lane and canopy, if I can catch a ride with someone.

[wrøng!]

Re: So what is everyone doing about transportation?

I am flying in on Wednesday, checking into my hotel, and the initial plan was to wake up early and go to DC. I wasn't planning on renting a car. At first I was weary about going to the Defcon Shoot, because: booze + firearms = HOLYF**K!! But after following the posts for awhile I realized that the event is very well organized, civil, etc. I don't want to be left out of the fun. So what is the transportation plan? Are people convoying to the range via their on personal POV or are people carpooling? If people are car pooling, I am willing to chip in with gas, and share my lane and canopy, if I can catch a ride with someone.

Depending on the time of arrival for us, 816 may be able to give you a ride. I'm almost positive we'll have extra seats, just not sure what time we'll be getting into Vegas.

[inert]

Re: So what is everyone doing about transportation?

Depending on the time of arrival for us, 816 may be able to give you a ride. I'm almost positive we'll have extra seats, just not sure what time we'll be getting into Vegas.

That would be much appreciated! A great big thank you in advance!

[FirmWarez]

Re: So what is everyone doing about transportation?

...At first I was weary about going to the Defcon Shoot, because: booze + firearms = HOLYF**K!! But after following the posts for awhile I realized that the event is very well organized, civil, etc. ...

Just as a comment: I wouldn't say "booze + firearms", perhaps more like "firearms. food + booze". Same place, different times.

I've handled all sorts of weapons -- suppressed .22s to M60s to M79s -- and have competed in SMG matches; I held a performance rally license and ran in one of the most difficult rallies in North America; I'm a firefighter. These activities have all had two things in common: extreme danger, and a cold beer _afterwards_. You are right, it takes organized, civil people to pull this off. It's the old comment in the shoot faq -- "if somepony has ever called you an asshat in a non-joking manner, you probably don't need to be here".

On topic: rides are usually not a problem if you think ahead. The Hack Bus (tm) has made the Thursday morning shoot. With the "Dusk til Dawn" plans, logistics might get a little crazy tho. As we get closer it'd be nice if Evil Mofo or someone else associated with the Hack Bus would chime in here.

The shoot site is easily accessed by rental car. This will all work out if people with space are cool, people who need a ride are open, honest, and timely, and everyone keeps a cool, realistic head.

Also, just like the ride and room sharing thread, keep in mind the "timely" comment I made. Too early, and people's plans change. Too late, and it's just a pain in the ass. Rock on, can't wait to shoot with you guys.

[inert]

Re: So what is everyone doing about transportation?

Just as a comment: I wouldn't say "booze + firearms", perhaps more like "firearms. food + booze". Same place, different times.

I've handled all sorts of weapons -- suppressed .22s to M60s to M79s -- and have competed in SMG matches; I held a performance rally license and ran in one of the most difficult rallies in North America; I'm a firefighter. These activities have all had two things in common: extreme danger, and a cold beer _afterwards_. You are right, it takes organized, civil people to pull this off. It's the old comment in the shoot faq -- "if somepony has ever called you an asshat in a non-joking manner, you probably don't need to be here".

On topic: rides are usually not a problem if you think ahead. The Hack Bus (tm) has made the Thursday morning shoot. With the "Dusk til Dawn" plans, logistics might get a little crazy tho. As we get closer it'd be nice if Evil Mofo or someone else associated with the Hack Bus would chime in here.

The shoot site is easily accessed by rental car. This will all work out if people with space are cool, people who need a ride are open, honest, and timely, and everyone keeps a cool, realistic head.

Also, just like the ride and room sharing thread, keep in mind the "timely" comment I made. Too early, and people's plans change. Too late, and it's just a pain in the ass. Rock on, can't wait to shoot with you guys.

I spent 8 years in the USMC. Four of those ,I was an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician (EOD Tech). I have nothing against cold beer and extreme danger, but only with people I have known for awhile and are cool and logical. There is nothing worse than a hot headed drunk with a loaded firearm. As with timely, I have always found it better to make plans, plan b's, and then go with the flow. Getting a feel for the situation, announcing intent, and then just taking each instance with stride is the best way to make near future plans. I wasn't planning on getting a rental car, and I would much rather not rent one for one day. (but this does fall into plan b) I am a starving college student, with a full household, and my budget is tight. I am excited about the shoot. Thanks again wr0ng! FirmWarez: We can toast to changing plans at the range!

[FirmWarez]

Re: So what is everyone doing about transportation?

Dude, you're my friend. Because UXO isn't.

[Zorlac]

Re: So what is everyone doing about transportation?

I`m planning on arriving in LV early afternoon on Wednesday, ready to check into the Rio, and then head out to the shoot area for the Wednesday PM session. I`ll have a SUV rental for the duration, so nearer the time I can look at who needs a lift.

I am also planning on getting in-line WAAAAY early on Thursday to grab a badge, then head out to the shoot area for the Thursday AM session too. Again, I`ll probably have some room in the back for some extra passengers, or in the trunk, or strapped across the hood :) (I`ll probably have one passenger already, for at least one of the sessions).

Dont worry about the english guy driving on the "wrong" side of the road, in the "wrong" side of the car, it will be fine... honest! What could possibly go wrong? :)

[Deviant Ollam]

Re: So what is everyone doing about transportation?

I am also planning on getting in-line WAAAAY early on Thursday to grab a badge, then head out to the shoot area for the Thursday AM session too.

i do not know if this part of the plan is possible, since the shooting on Thursday takes place from 10:00 to 12:00, and i was not aware of Reg opening up ever before 10:00 or 11:00 on Thursday... so you'd possibly be arriving at the Shoot site just as everything is winding down.

we'll let TW speak up about what the plan is for registration this year, of course... but i'm thinking you'll be hard-pressed on time for all that.

[sintax_error]

Re: So what is everyone doing about transportation?

i do not know if this part of the plan is possible, since the shooting on Thursday takes place from 10:00 to 12:00, and i was not aware of Reg opening up ever before 10:00 or 11:00 on Thursday... so you'd possibly be arriving at the Shoot site just as everything is winding down.

we'll let TW speak up about what the plan is for registration this year, of course... but i'm thinking you'll be hard-pressed on time for all that.

Last time I stood in line it opened up around 0800. I've had instances where being in line at 0600 resulted in a (temporary) paper badge and a swap out later, and I've had instances where hopping in line at 1330 resulted in a "real" badge on the first go around. The best suggestion i have for someone wanting to attend Thursday AM is to have a trusted friend who will already be in the line with your <badge price> in hand to snag one for you. If you have no one you trust who will be in the line anyway, try bribing them, if that fails... Well, I've got nothing.

Back to the topic at hand, Thursday AM is up in the air for me, Wednesday is a go for sure. And I'll make the same offer this year as I did the last 2 years. I'm more than willing to assist in hauling gear (if you're not in my truck, neither is your ordinance) I will likely already have two or more passengers in a truck that can fit 2.5 including the driver. But if any cargo space is needed for coolers, targets/stands, camping gear, etc. I'll gladly toss it in for my drive out to the site. Just keep in mind that I'll be heading back to the hotel at some point on Wednesday night.

[wrøng!]

Re: So what is everyone doing about transportation?

Oh god I'm having flashbacks to last year's winding snake of a line folding over on itself 3 times. Please no.

[Zorlac]

Re: So what is everyone doing about transportation?

i do not know if this part of the plan is possible, since the shooting on Thursday takes place from 10:00 to 12:00, and i was not aware of Reg opening up ever before 10:00 or 11:00 on Thursday... so you'd possibly be arriving at the Shoot site just as everything is winding down.

we'll let TW speak up about what the plan is for registration this year, of course... but i'm thinking you'll be hard-pressed on time for all that.

Last year, DEFCON reg opened at 9am, and I was there very early to get near the front of the queue. I still made it to the shoot in plenty of time :) Lets see what time the reg opens this year and take it from there

[teflone]

Re: So what is everyone doing about transportation?

This shouldnt be a surprise, but I'd just like to put it out there that a couple of Canucks, me and a friend of mine will be looking for a ride with someone from the strip out to the range. Im willing to make it worth someones while, I will gladly fill someones tank, or something along those lines; cash, purchase ammo from someone at the range in exchange, ect. We're interested in attending the Thursday morning shoot. :)

Any help in securing a ride would be greatly appreciated, and rewarded..

Thanks

[Zorlac]

Re: So what is everyone doing about transportation?

There is always a supply of vehicles and people who can provide a ride to the shoot, but be aware that Thursday morning is "wait in a long line and grab your badge" at 8am, which is also about the same time that most head off to the shoot location.

Last year I got there WAY early and grabbed a badge by about 8.15am, and had the shoot location in my GPS, so I drove myself plus three others.

Nearer the time, when people have firmed up their schedules and attendance, there is usually a lot of people offering rides. I`ll have two spare seats available in my rental.

[teflone]

Re: So what is everyone doing about transportation?

There is always a supply of vehicles and people who can provide a ride to the shoot, but be aware that Thursday morning is "wait in a long line and grab your badge" at 8am, which is also about the same time that most head off to the shoot location.

Last year I got there WAY early and grabbed a badge by about 8.15am, and had the shoot location in my GPS, so I drove myself plus three others.

Nearer the time, when people have firmed up their schedules and attendance, there is usually a lot of people offering rides. I`ll have two spare seats available in my rental.

Zorlac, care to help two clean cut Canadians guys out with a ride ? Name your price ? Tank of gas?, pay your insurance on the rental car for the day ? (30-50 bucks) ?? I would love to have this firm and not have to worry about it.. Thanks :)

[Zorlac]

Re: So what is everyone doing about transportation?

If last year is anything to go by, you wont have any issues finding a lift. The DC Shoot attendees meet up in the lobby area just up the hall from the Rotunda where the badges are purchased from 8am onwards. You cant miss them, they are the guys and girls who are NOT in the massive queue, have some very large ammo boxes and pelicases on trolleys, and are looking like they want to get going ASAP :)

I will be in the queue early, buying 2 badges, then will be going out to the the rental in the parking lot out back with a US workmate, and driving out to the range.

Nearer the time, drop me a PM and we can exchange emails or phone numbers or twitter or whatever, and we can arrange to meet up (or at least shows pics so we know who we are looking for... I`ll show you mine if you show... err... oh... wait... can I start that again? :) )

I will kick off a ride share thread in June sometime (if someone else doesnt start one first), and we can get people and rides arranged to get as many people there as possible, taking into account wanting to get back to get drunk on Wednesday evening, and the mammoth badge grabbing activities on the Thursday morning.