Jesse asked me to post this information about the FC-Roundup 2014, March 28th-30th in Phoenix, Arizona. Ann and I look forward to seeing everyone there! You can learn more information here.

Photo from the FC-Roundup 2012

It is that time for me to bring up a few important things to know about the FC Roundup, because as usual we will have some new people that will be coming, I wish to prevent any confusion and misunderstanding.

Lately there has been some postings about other Jeep events held in other parts of the country. At these events a few FCs are gathering. At Jeep events, this is really great. I think it is wonderful that more attention is given to the FCs. For new people, sometimes all the pictures in the world can not explain what a difference it makes to be able to be looking at a real FC mechanical assembly and how it looks like on a running FC. So, more events are needed.

I want anyone that does not yet understand, the Jeep Forward Control event in Phoenix is not just another Jeep event. Instead this event and the NW FC Gathering are the only events that are limited for displaying only FC-Vehicles and FJ Van vehicles. The word only means is restricted it is not for any or all other model Jeeps. Non FC vehicles will not be allowed to be parked on my property. No exceptions. There is adequate street parking for all others.

Please read everything carefully:

HOTELS: The nearest hotel is the Camelback Sahara, 7th Ave and Camelback. They only have 10 rooms left. They are changing the name to Hotel 502 in March and both names will be on the buildings to avoid confusion. So there is some minor remodeling being done that the owner has told me will be done by the time of the event. It is preferred only because it is walking distance close to the light rail and a few blocks to the event. Additionally, it has been the most preferred hotel, because it is the only hotel near here that has a large rear parking lot that allows for big trucks and large vehicle trailers and they do have security.

Next choice, because it is also close, is the Quality Inn on the Black Canyon Freeway at Camelback. It has parking for trucks and trailers, but security is not available. They have 14 rooms left.

There are lots of better hotels near the event. Look up hotels near 85015 and if you need secure parking for the weekend, this year parking should not be a problem for towing vehicles. I have made an arrangement to have parking in an area of the fairgrounds that already has 24 hour, secure parking for trucks and or trailers. Because both events are on the same weekend — they are having a large Automotive Swap meet at the same time — my friend Todd and his wife Kim, have allowed for this to happen. For $20 you get parking from Friday morning to late Sunday, 7 am to 5 pm. You also get admission to the swapmeet. They will provide a parking area for our event people to park trucks and trailers, allowing you to stay at any hotel that may not have the large truck parking.

All of the hotels are filling quickly. No, they are not filling because of the Roundup; instead we have great weather and in March we have the Base ball spring training.

Here are the most popular replies to the many of the inquiries about the FC Roundup, the majority of the questions are:

We do not charge for our event and we have no prizes or trophies. The reward is to be here and see a lot of FCs, visit and meet people that know about FCs. I encourage you to bring photo albums of your FC. This is not a swap meet. Only approved manufactured FC items for FCs will be on display. This is not a place to bring and have your FC repaired.

In addition, it is important that I make a reminder to any new people that have not been here. There is no parking on my property at any time for non FC vehicles, except to load and unload anyone that is handicapped and the display vehicles from trailers. Because this is my private property, this has not been a problem in the past, so again this is a reminder that this is an event restricted and limited by invitation only for Jeep FC and Jeep FJ Van Delivery vehicles only, with no exceptions.

SATURDAY: The main day is Saturday we have the big lunch, that I provide, with refreshments and we have our free raffle of pre-donated Items, any nice to want FC items, or, If you don’t know what to donate and you want to donate, that is why gift cards were invented. It would be nice to give away new FC windshields or new bumpers, but a NAPA, Sears (Craftsman), O’Riellys, or even Red Lobster cards have been popular. The raffle is only for the people that are here at the time of the raffle. Directly after the raffle we have a short meeting about anything related to the event or announcements.

Saturday is also when most of the vehicles are here, because many FC Owners that live in AZ, but outside of our city, drive their FCs in on that day only. For me my favorite days are Thursday night and Friday morning seeing the trucks be unloaded, others being driven in, again for me because I get to spend a few more minutes meeting all of the new people and crawling under the new trucks I have never seen.

We go out to dinner on Friday and Saturday nights in as many FCs as we can. We enjoy these evenings out, so include this in your time of events.

TRANSPORTATION: Here are a couple of other details to know. The cab is a good way of transportation if you don’t need a rental car. Because of all the trucks and trailers, street parking is a premium for the earlybirds.  A better method for FC Roundup persons attending has been that if you fly into our local downtown Phoenix International Airport (PHX), (not Phoenix / Mesa Gateway that is 60 miles out), you and your baggage will be able to ride the westbound Light Rail from (PHX) westbound to the end of the line and be picked up by one of the attending FC Roundup Tour Jeeps, by making prior arrangements and then a call ten minutes before arrival at the last stop. Also along the same route is the 7th Ave / Camelback Light Rail stop. You will see the Camelback/Sahara or new name` Hotel 502. It is an older motel, being remodeled again. While It does not currently have all the comforts no bar/restaurant, it does offer temp use of L A Fitness and it has a pool. etc. it is not Phoenix’s best, but many of the people that come here stay there. The best thing is that it is the closest to the event and it is also a phone call away for a ride to be shuttled by an FC volunteer to the event. If I left something out please let me know.

And I just remembered the first reminder, there is no smoking near any FC vehicle, because of the vented fuel caps. For anyone wanting to smoke, we will have a designated location for smoking. Children and dogs, I love children and pets, Please be aware to keep your dog away from any of
the vehicles or leave it at your home.

There is absolutely no tolerance for adults who are not responsible parents. Please respect the amount of work it takes to refinish any of these vehicles. Thank you for being FC enthusiasts and making it possible to continue to host such a Most Excellent event. I have been told already about a lot of new to the Roundup FC vehicles that are being displayed for the first time. Because we have no pre-registration, we have no idea how many vehicles or people to expect.

Print the flier and have the invitation handy. It has my address and the phone number.

Sadly some of you live in cold weather, it may warm you up a bit, if you make your plans today to come out in March, to the FC Roundup in Phoenix, AZ.