GGG #8 Planning Survey

Doneski!

Really looking forward to another GGG, I had a blast at the last one I went to at Coe.

Very insightful so far. Some of the comments are priceless.

Of course all ages are allowed. Has been that way since the second one.

Thanks to those who have answered so far. Keep it coming.

42 respondents so far. I will keep this survey open for quite a bit longer. Depending on the answers I may put up a second one to narrow some options down on a couple of subjects. Will of course keep this thread updated, and inform you if and when that happens.

Appreciate you putting this together Ken – interested in the results.

A couple early results that I don't think will change much as the popular opinion so outweighs the other choices

78.72% are active forum users. That they see the survey i am not surprised by this. Now I did send out an e mail to about 40 people to get the ball rolling. Some of those folks are not as active here as they once were.

74.47% would like to hike in. No one so far has chosen the car camp option.

87.23% think late January is a fine time to have it

Pretty much everyone agrees that non Bplrs are welcome to attend.

Thanks to the 54 responders. If you haven't taken it and have an opinion, even if you haven't been, please do.

Everyone is pretty much in in agreement except for one question. This is based on 56 responses.

Should there be a maximum amount to attendees?

No. The more the merrier
30.36%
–
Yes. Crowds get overwhelming
33.93%
–
It truly does not matter to me.
35.71%

So you with kids in school. Are they all out for President's week, day or whatever they call it now? Would that be a good week or a bad week for the GGG?

I believe that they are only out for the one day….not the whole week.

Any other juice bits of information from the survey that you can share?

Tony

They are out for the whole week here Tony. I'll post more survey results here in a bit. Tigger's dinner first.

60 respondents
1) Are you an active BPL forum member?
Yes
71.67%
–
No
5.00%
–
Have been, but not currently
23.33%

2) Would you prefer a hike in or drive to event?
Hike in
76.67%
–
Drive in
1.67%
–
No preference
21.67%

3) Is late January a good time to have one?
Yes
90.00%
–
No
6.67%
–
Depends if it is a hike in or car camp
3.33%

4) Assuming you live in the SF Bay Area how far are you willing to travel to attend?
100 miles
40.35%
–
250 miles
24.56%
–
To the ends of the Earth, I'll fly in, etc..
12.28%
–
Responses
Other (please specify)
22.81%

5) Do you want planned events and contests?
Yes I like schedules
20.00%
–
No an organic happening is fine with me
15.00%
–
I'm in for whatever
65.00%

6) Should there be a maximum amount to attendees?
No. The more the merrier
31.67%
–
Yes. Crowds get overwhelming
35.00%
–
It truly does not matter to me.
33.33%

7) If there should be a limit to attendees, how many?
Less than 50
15.22%
–
Less than 75
19.57%
–
Less than 100
36.96%
–
Responses
Other (please specify)
28.26%

8) How important is it to have vendors attend?
I really would like as many as possible to attend
30.51%
–
A few would be nice
47.46%
–
I would rather them not be there
5.08%
–
Responses
Other (please specify)
16.95%

9) Should this event be open to anyone?
Yes
38.98%
–
No Only BPL members
0.00%
–
A member may bring an "outsider" if attending
61.02%

I will leave the survey up for a bit longer, though I don't think there will be much change in the responses.

Thanks again to all who participated.

Kids are out for one day here…if they don't end up in school (it's one of our snow make-up days).

But kids can stay home with the wife. I'll rub her feet some other time to make up for escaping to a gathering.

Never mind that's in Feb. anyway. Will stick with the week of MLK Day in Jan.

My excuse, no kids.

Frank in Humboldt you can catch a ride with me.

I'll run this past David. I'm thinking Jan. 21-24th 2016

And yes I realize how far in advance this is. 272 days I think.

"I didn't go to the last one since I don't want to car camp with my ultra light gear. Also thinking about the "hike" distracts me from the long drive to get there."

"Should there be a group meal? (organized by an attendee not by the GGG leaders)"

"Should crazy bike packers be able to attend? Duh?!"

"I've been very happy w the GGGs in the past and been able to get to 4 of the first 6. Bailed on the 7th since it wasn't a hike in and just didn't seem right. I really enjoy meeting everyone year after year and seeing new gear. The best part for me is just having a bunch of like minded people to talk about gear with."

"Should Ken and Dave be organizing this…a. yes… b. No… c. They must be crazy… C"

"Why hasn't any BPL staff attended ?"

"Maybe add one more day. A lot of people don't get in till late the first night or the next day so they really don't get to socialize that much. The first full day has been vendors and some socializing but the day is gone so quickly. Then the next day we pack up and go. Adding another day would be nice."

"I'm not overly interested in GGG's any more, other than social factor. Small groups are better for that aspect for me, but I responded more or less how I felt about past GGG's. Having one or two manufacturers each year is cool, but doesn't pique my interest too much… if a whole lineup of manufacturers were to come out that might be more interesting. Good luck, and thanks for all the hard work!"

"Is Ken going to wear his Hawaiian shirt again?"

More later…

I am going to shut off the survey in another week or so. If you haven't yet taken it and have some input please feel free. Comments here are fine as well, but please take the survey first.

Survey is off. Thanks to all who gave their input and time.

You know me, plan way in advance when possible.

The question I should have asked on the survey and didn't is…

Which vendors/manufacturers would you'll like us to invite?

BPL's Ryan and staff will also be sent an invite.

I'd like you to invite vendors I've never heard of who make high-quality lightweight gear that I can't live without.

Might be a tough thing to find though. But I can't say vendors would be a major attraction for me. With all the gear info here and elsewhere on the internet, I don't find a strong utility in "kicking the tires".

I sent a box full of stoves to one of the gatherings and they were placed in a tent as a "take one if you want one" offer. I was not in attendance to demo the stoves.

If I send another box full, will someone demo the stoves?

Has there ever been a fun way to win a "give-away-stove" during an evening of fun?

That is most generous of you Dan. I'll make sure to do something better this time around. Had too many takers last time. Not enough giving back

Peter V. wants a bonfire that can be seen from space. I am hoping for no fire ban in January.

As always if you have any thoughts or comments please post here, or PM me.

I nominate Hikin Jim to do the demos.

Can't think of anyone else more qualified and knowledgeable.

The demo should show how you cannot spill alcohol out of the stove.

Love my Starlyte stove….so stupid easy to use and light up!

http://www.woodgaz-stove.com/

Tony

Stoves? Who me? I don’t even like stoves. :)

Seriously though, I’d be happy to do any manner of demo if people are interested.

HJ
Adventures In Stoving
Hikin’ Jim’s Blog

I grabbed one each of the Starlyte stoves, thank you. Work very nice, just have been using my vintage stoves as much as possible though. I plan on taking the modified Starlyte and Caldera Cone setup to Glacier in July though.
Duane

Suggestions for vendors:

1. Trail Designs….makers of the Caldera Cone

2. Six Moon Designs

3. Tarptent

4. Jon Fong from Flat Cat Gear

5. Dan from Zelph Stoves

6. Ron from MLD