20th Anniversary of the Iowa Rally....

[Gordon Maney]

The first year was 1988, and it was the first Power Wagon rally in the country. People came from all over the United States, and some came from Canada.

Over these many years the rally has grown and it has cultivated its own family; it is a reunion. I have a vivid memory of standing in that fairgrounds building and hearing the exhaust note of the first 230 as it drove into the graveled area.

The goal for the 2007 event is to assemble at least 200 trucks. Imagine how many times around the town square that will be on parade day. We want to make this the biggest Dodge event ever seen in the United States, where it all started.

This forum has been created as a central and enduring place for people to gather to exchange ideas about activities and share their plans. It is also a place to reminisce about past rallies, and yes..... to post photos of past rallies.

Spread the word, and plan to be in Fairfield, Iowa during the grand, 20th Anniversary Iowa Power Wagon Rally.

[Clint Dixon]

I have plans to be there. Hotel reservations were made over three months ago. Martie and I have made a lot of friends over the course of the Iowa Rallies. We hope to see them all in one place again next June. This event has really become more about the people than the trucks. The trucks are still important, of course, and remain a common thread, but I think there is a sizable group of us who would come together every year even if we were not allowed to bring trucks, and/or even if we could not be accomodated in Fairfield.

Make your plans NOW. June will be here before we know it.

[Kevin Mienke]

I was fortunate enough to steal away from Colton's baseball tournaments in Fort Dodge for a short time and visit the rally this year with Momma and Colt. Everyone was so friendly and conversation was a treat, which is a big change from our lives in the city. We were so enthused when we left, we stopped in Ottumwa on our way home and bought a travel trailer for our 2007 accomodations. Maybe next year we could schedule our early June baseball tournament to be in Fairfield and the whole team could be there. They love Fenway.

[Clint Dixon]

...The goal for the 2007 event is to assemble at least 200 trucks. Imagine how many times around the town square that will be on parade day...

Unless you have attended a Rally in the past, it can be difficult to imagine the numbers of Power-Wagons that show up at the Rally in any given year. I have been there. I have seen over 100 Power-Wagons together there at one time. I have a hard time developing a picture in my mind of what being in the midst of 200 trucks would feel like. I think we can make it happen. Then we will know the feeling.

Gordon, do you have an estimate of how many different trucks have been brought to the Rally over the years? I am thinking that if everyone who has ever brought a truck to the Rally, brought it back again in 2007, we would have many more than 200 total.

[Gordon Maney]

Unless you have attended a Rally in the past, it can be difficult to imagine the numbers of Power-Wagons that show up at the Rally in any given year. I have been there. I have seen over 100 Power-Wagons together there at one time. I have a hard time developing a picture in my mind of what being in the midst of 200 trucks would feel like. I think we can make it happen. Then we will know the feeling.

Gordon, do you have an estimate of how many different trucks have been brought to the Rally over the years? I am thinking that if everyone who has ever brought a truck to the Rally, brought it back again in 2007, we would have many more than 200 total.

I believe that if every, different truck that had ever been there would assemble again, we would have somewhere between 400 and 500 trucks. With some effort and attention, I don't think it would be that difficult to get over 200 trucks. It would be an event to be a part of, and would be very difficult to duplicate anywhere else. There is a history and a community in this event that is unequaled.

[Bill Garland]

I will consider this adventure. For old time sake, I may even ask Deb to come along.
Bill G.

[Gordon Maney]

I will consider this adventure. For old time sake, I may even ask Deb to come along.
Bill G.

Clint and I and others sure would like that....

[jaybgood]

Pictures of the 1997 Rally
http://pw.jaybgood.com/pictures/still/97_vpw/barn.html

http://pw.jaybgood.com/pictures/still/97_vpw/honymoon.html

http://pw.jaybgood.com/pictures/still/97_vpw/farrier.html

http://pw.jaybgood.com/pictures/still/97_vpw/dreams.html

http://pw.jaybgood.com/pictures/still/97_vpw/dennis.html

http://pw.jaybgood.com/pictures/still/97_vpw/fairfield.html

http://pw.jaybgood.com/pictures/still/97_vpw/demo.html

http://pw.jaybgood.com/pictures/still/97_vpw/fairgrnd.html

http://pw.jaybgood.com/pictures/still/97_vpw/civilian.html

http://pw.jaybgood.com/pictures/still/97_vpw/military.html

http://pw.jaybgood.com/pictures/still/97_vpw/hotdog.html

Pictures of the 2004 Rally
http://pw.jaybgood.com/2004Rally/

Pictures of the 2005 Rally
http://pw.jaybgood.com/2005Rally/

Pictures of the 2006 Rally
http://imageevent.com/jaybgood/vpwrally06

[jaybgood]

http://photos.imageevent.com/jaybgood/myvideos/Mike.wmv

[Ugg013]

Jay:

Did he finally make it?:eek:

Ugg:cool:

[Mark P]

We need to get at least 20 townwagons. Seems like the place for world wide gathering of 2 and 4 wheel townwagons. Hopefully mine will be done, if not I will bring on trailer.

Mark

[Ron in Indiana]

Mark, the most TW's I have seen at the Iowa rally was 11 one year and it was a beautiful site. I know I'll have mine and probably Mike will his 57 TW there next year. I guess we better get some paint on it by then too. And some windows, a back seat, the winch hooked up, the bodywork done... the rally's in June right?

[Gordon Maney]

Mark, the most TW's I have seen at the Iowa rally was 11 one year and it was a beautiful site. I know I'll have mine and probably Mike will his 57 TW there next year. I guess we better get some paint on it by then too. And some windows, a back seat, the winch hooked up, the bodywork done... the rally's in June right?

June 6-9. 2007.

[Clint Dixon]

June 6-9. 2007.

I heard talk of the Rally being longer than the usual 4 days in celebration of the 20th. Something like two weekends and the whole week in between. 7-9 days total. That would sure be nice for people who can attend only on a weekend. They would then have two weekends to chose from to plan their schedule instead of being limited to only one. that would also work great for those who need 2 or 3 days to drive to and from. We typically see people drive from both coasts and Canada.

[Gordon Maney]

I heard talk of the Rally being longer than the usual 4 days in celebration of the 20th. Something like two weekends and the whole week in between. 7-9 days total. That would sure be nice for people who can attend only on a weekend. They would then have two weekends to chose from to plan their schedule instead of being limited to only one. that would also work great for those who need 2 or 3 days to drive to and from. We typically see people drive from both coasts and Canada.

Initially there was talk of that, but I believe further analysis pertaining to availability of facilities and some other logistical issues made it impractical.

[jaybgood]

Ugg,
Mike VanBuskirk was the driver. He works for VPW and this was a rare occacssion as the VPW crew are usually busy making us all happy keeping things running somewhat smooth during the Rally. Unfortunately he could not make it over the crest of the hill with all 4 wheels

Clint ,
You say they may make the event ONLY two weeks!!!!
I'm believe I'm already booked at Mike and Bonnies for at least the usual four weeks I like to spend with the VPW crew. Oh well Fairfield and the local towns have alot to offer and have always made me feel very welcome.

[pieter]

the rally's in June right?

You don't need to remind me... :)

[Clint Dixon]

Clint ,
You say they may make the event ONLY two weeks!!!!
I'm believe I'm already booked at Mike and Bonnies for at least the usual four weeks I like to spend with the VPW crew. Oh well Fairfield and the local towns have alot to offer and have always made me feel very welcome.

Jay, if you spent any more time there, they would have to appoint you to a seat on the board of directors! :p

[74w300uteline]

Drove to VT and WVA ralleys and had a blast. Iowa is a bit far, my copilot Molly (11) has suggested that we take an "old fashioned" train with a sleeper compartment to Iowa. Do these trains still exist or do we just sleep in our seats?Are there any theme hotels there ;wild west, pioneer, frontier type, that kids from the NY metro area would enjoy.

[Gordon Maney]

Drove to VT and WVA ralleys and had a blast. Iowa is a bit far, my copilot Molly (11) has suggested that we take an "old fashioned" train with a sleeper compartment to Iowa. Do these trains still exist or do we just sleep in our seats?Are there any theme hotels there ;wild west, pioneer, frontier type, that kids from the NY metro area would enjoy.

I am unsure, but let me try to find out....

[Clint Dixon]

Drove to VT and WVA ralleys and had a blast. Iowa is a bit far, my copilot Molly (11) has suggested that we take an "old fashioned" train with a sleeper compartment to Iowa. Do these trains still exist or do we just sleep in our seats?Are there any theme hotels there ;wild west, pioneer, frontier type, that kids from the NY metro area would enjoy.

I am not sure of the sleeping arrangements, but Amtrak stops at a town not far from Fairfield. I will alert Todd Somers who should have the information for you. Also, this is not exactly a theme hotel, but there is the Midwest Old Threshers Museum in Mt. Pleasant, only about 25 miles from Fairfield. This is a big draw even for those of us living here in the Midwest.

[Gordon Maney]

I am not sure of the sleeping arrangements, but Amtrak stops at a town not far from Fairfield. I will alert Todd Somers who should have the information for you. Also, this is not exactly a theme hotel, but there is the Midwest Old Threshers Museum in Mt. Pleasant, only about 25 miles from Fairfield. This is a big draw even for those of us living here in the Midwest.

Thank you, Clint....

[Jeff in N.Tx.]

Get on the Amtrak website, and check out their routes and schedules. I ride Amtrak across country once or twice a year, just for fun. You will likely have to go to Chicago and change trains there. not sure how close to Fairfield you can get, but, I was thinking one of the trains either goes through there, or a town not too far from there.
The schedules mean very little when it comes to arrival times. If you have to change trains, give yourself an 8 - 12 hour layover window to be safe.
Accomodations vary from train to train. Most long distance trains will have sleeper cars. They have a family bedroom that will sleep about 6, I think. With the sleeper reservations, all your meals are included, and the food is good, You have access to the shower in your sleeper car, and there are restrooms in the sleeper that are much cleaner than in the coach. THe bedrooms have seating that folds down at night into real beds, althought the beds are a little narrow. THe dining car attendant will come through the sleeper and take your reservation for seating in the diner in the evening. During the day, you may want to spread out by walking to the lounge car with the big windows.
Riding coach is about like riding and trying to sleep on a Grayhound bus, except you can walk to the lounge car for scenery viewing, movies, and food. If you go coach, take a LOT of money for food. The food is very pricey.
Personally, If I am on Amtrak overnight, I will not go coach. The upgrade to sleeper is well worth the cost.
If you are getting a rent car, or taxi at the end of your trip, remember to keep the folks updated on your arrival, as you may be on time, or you may be 5 or 6 hours late. you never know. Cell phones come in handy here.
All in all, a train trip is a lot of fun, relaxing, and fun, if you plan ahead for possible schedule delays.
Jeff

[Jill Stearnes]

If you take Amtrak out of Chicago, you need to get on the California Zephyr. It goes into Fairfield, but does not stop. I take this train to my brothers in Omaha, NE. I catch it out of Galesburg, IL. The train stops in Burlington, and Mt. Pleasant, IA. Mt. Pleasant is the closest.

You will need to probalby schedule someone to come and pick you up. The last town I think you actually leave from someones house. LOL just joking but that is what it looks like. No car rentals.

This route does have sleeper cars. It leaves out of Chicago around 2:00. The schdule says you would be in Ottumwa at 7:00. But again, don't count on the schedules be correct. What I have found out is that it is usually on time going from Chicago - Omaha, but never coming back.

Good luck!!

Jill

[Ugg013]

Hi:

Here's a thought too. Maybe we set up a ride board, and maybe convoys. It's always good to have another vehicle travelin with ya, and like if someone wants to go without a vehicle, they can get to a given place and hitch a ride???? Just a thought.

Later
Ugg

[74w300uteline]

Thanks to all for your feedback.Seems like Molly's idea is turning out to be a winner.We will allow extra time as suggested for our trip ,a day or two of missed school is nothing compared to the experience of getting away from NYC. As with our other Power Wagon rally adventures the copilot gets valuable geography lessons, math lessons, calculate mileage and estimate time/speed, read and FOLD maps.Exposing kids to rural America and less "metropolitan materialistic" values is an investment in their future.The questions/ comments generated during these trips range from "I thought America was overpopulated?" to, Why are there more stars out here?The caliber of the people involved in this hobby/ obsession are the good examples I want my kids to see. Special thanks to Ken See VT. and Dave Horvath W VA.
See yall in Iowa
Andrew "wish I wuz a country boy" Connelly

[Longhunter7]

Ugg,

I like the idea of the convoy and ride board idea! I am planning on making it, if the Lord is willing and the creeks don't rise!

I need to rent/borrow a trailer and schedule the time off.

Is there a place to get motel and campground information?

[Gordon Maney]

What is a ride board? If it is a forum, then..... we have one right here. I set up this Iowa rally forum for that purpose.

[Jeff in N.Tx.]

I would probably get off the train in Ottumwa if I were planning to ride Amtrak to the rally from your location. Plenty of rent cars available there, as well as motels if you need one. Plus, Fairfield is only about a 30 or 40 minute drive from Ottumwa.
Jeff

[Longhunter7]

Gordon,

I assumed that you would have a place on the Forum, just for this purpose.

It is good that there is this much interest, this early!

[Gordon Maney]

Gordon,

I assumed that you would have a place on the Forum, just for this purpose.

It is good that there is this much interest, this early!

We need to start early to get at least 200 trucks there!

[Ugg013]

Hi Gordon:

Maybe have a sub section, like TRAVEL PLANS? I guess this is good enough. HA!

Rick:

Long time. Send me an email. As for the info ya asked. Go to the Fairfield, Iowa CoC site. From that you can find out all ya need. The Rally's at the fairgrounds. I had all the info pre crash, but it's all locked up on my wife's old hard drive, and I ain't even got her new 'puter up yet. So I might not even be alive at rally time. HA!

Later
Ugg

[chewie]

Gordon,
Got a collage of pictures gathered up for the 20th? I know I'd like to see them.