Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Around the Campfire => Topic started by: jeffp51 on January 28, 2020, 12:02:39 pm
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Ok, I am coming to the classic this May for the first time and I want to make the most of it. I would love to hear any advice out there. Here are my limitations:
1. I am driving out from Utah with my oldest son. Flying was going to be cost prohibitive for two of us, especially with trying to get any gear along with us.
2. I have to give a final on the 29th (Wednesday before the classic)--so we will likely drive straight through to get there 25-30 hours. If we switch off drivers every few hours, it should be not too bad, but we won't be able to get there earlier than very late Thursday or sometime Friday morning. We plan to camp in a tent.
So what would you do to have the most fun at the main three days of the meet? What is the food situation like? What about restrooms and sanitation?
I am open to suggestions, and I want to meet as many of you are are there.
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go there early, leave there late ;D
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Jeff,
If you're looking to come down for the weekend, it's easier to set up shop in the morning than late in the evening, however Thursday nights are always pretty fun at the classic. That's when most of the weekend crowd arrives so everyone is out making bows and hanging by the fire.
There's going to be a lot of people and vendors there, a LOT. The main "campground" area is mostly RVs and Campers, but there's plenty of room down the trail for tents so you shouldn't have trouble finding a spot.
We've got a full shower house and porta-johns set up for the shoot so you're covered there.
Starting Friday morning we open the kitchen up for concessions for breakfast and lunch. We do sausage patties, sausage gravy, biscuits, fruit/energy bars, etc in the morning, and we do burgers, chips, hot dogs, cheese burgers and chili cheese burgers (with grilled onions) for lunch, along with candy bars and sodas and stuff.
That kitchen runs breakfast and lunch through Sunday.
The bow shop fills up fast, we've got over a dozen vises to work on bows but they're going to be in use from sunup to late in the evening, so get one when you can, or if you've got a setup for your camp that works too.
If you're looking to make a bow, you may want to hit up some of the people here that bring staves to see if you can reserve one from them, but that's up to you. All of the vendors will be setup by Thursday evening so there's plenty to buy.
BRING CASH. We don't take plastic at concessions (we also sell bagged ice) and while most vendors do, some don't. Cash is king at the classic.
Other than that just plan to have fun. It's always a good time, everyone is friendly, and there's always a fire going around the camp.
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Looks like you about covered it Little John, that is great news Jeff, look forward to meeting you. :)
Pappy
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If you want to build a bow, the Selfbow Challenge is the way to go. Pappy can give all the info on that. Like was said before the bow shop is always open and usually someone there at any time of day or night. During the selfbow challenge you'll have plenty of help in the bow shop. There are some of us always around and during the challenge the guys in orange Twin Oaks tee shirts(me included) are there specifically to help. You and your son will be blown away. Almost too much to take in. :OK
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Don't forget to stop by the knapin pit, right next to the bow shop, allways somebody in there and in the evenings the real die hard knappers start showing up, the whole classic is one great adventure,Hope to see ya there. Bob
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There is usually a lot of osage staves for sale, have a full wallet if you want to bring some home with you. The prices are reasonable but like potato chips, you can't stop with just one.
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Think i know where there’s a pile of different staves that’ll be for sale this year. Bunch of folks will get a chance to get Twin Oaks Tenn staves. Come early stay late to take home a few.
Shawn
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Thanks for the replies. Is there much trading that goes on, or just sales? I can't come early, but u can stay late, and I'd be happy to help with the cleanup, or help in any other way needed.
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There is lots of trading and lots of good old generosity.
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Somebody will probably give you a stave just for the fact you drove from Utah to get there. That's something most wouldn't do for a few day stay. Enjoy your visit, Jeff.
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It is all fun. Been doing this for many many years and the classic is far the best I have ever been to. Town is close for your church services if you desire. I did have a hard time finding a Catholic church tho .lol
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The folks and I would love that PD. Watch gonna bring? I may have a couple trade items.
SB Challenge from 2019 but that not the bow I made for it. "Pocket Lint" was the knotty winner. That little limb bow has a new home as it was gifted away.
Shawn~
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Probably arrows, and maybe obsidian. Arrows are what I am best at. If someone wants a customized set, I might be able to get some made between now and then
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One other thing, shoot the Ranges. There is always so much going on I've shot the Range maybe twice in the last 5 years. And I'm bringing lots of Tonkin cane.
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Jeff,
Have a safe trip! Remember to turn right at St. Louis or thereabouts! (lol) >:D! Sounds like shining no times! Not sure which route you are taking, but usually I-70 is the more direct, although there is about 100 miles of mountains to go through. Perhaps we can get together on your way back, as we are halfway between Denver and Cheyenne and could meet up in either. I am hoping to be able to make it to MoJam again this year in July, hopefully it will be a bit cooler and dryer than last year! That reminded e why I moved to Colorado! Have fun! (SH) :KN :BB
Hawkdancer
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One other thing, shoot the Ranges. There is always so much going on I've shot the Range maybe twice in the last 5 years. And I'm bringing lots of Tonkin cane.
I am more inclined to shoot the course than build a bow. I am pretty confident in my building skills, but I don't know that I would have enough time to do the build a bow challenge, and I have never shot a 3-D course. Maybe we can shoot it together, Mullet--I would really enjoy that if you are game.
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Sounds like fun, Jeff. I'll be there a week or to early. I'm not hard to find. I'm usually camped with the other old guy with the long beard.
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Hey, I resemble that guy...or are you talking about Roger?
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Sounds like a great time, guys. Wish I could drag the family on a field trip from Wyoming. It makes me happy knowing stuff like this goes on. T
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Best piece of advice I can give you after going twice is this:
DON'T SLEEP!
Stay up as late as you can, soak it all in, talk to EVERYBODY, and wear a badge or nametag with your Primitive Archer handle so folks can recognize you.
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just wanted to add that if you plan on staying late hang on to some cash for the end, sometimes certain vendors will cut people a deal so that they don't have to pack up as much stuff (lol)
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Ya don't get much sleep while this is going on JW. Thanks guys for all the replies, this should give Jeff and others a little incite to just what they are getting their self's into. ;) :)
Pappy
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If you really want to get the most out of the classic just keep coming back yr after yr, I believe this will be my 11 yr and missed last yr for a first. Lots of stuff going on, check out the spirit wall. Lots of different trades going on and more Osage than any one can imagine. I have made friends from all over this great country of ours, I actually came home with a dog one yr from the classic. Best dog that I ever owned. Hope to see ya there , Bob
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Yes, what JW says is what I live by. I sleep very little and soak in as much as possible. Make sure to go see the spirit station. It’s a gooder!
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Definitely visit the spirit station. Find a little time and collect your thoughts there.