2017 Lake Shelbyville Illinois Gathering, July 26th to July 30th 2017

[SCP1]

Where does everyone recommend launching from and how early do you recommend launching to get a parking spot? We are considering staying north of Shelbyville. Also how is the lake is there any spots to avoid (shallow/stumps/ect...)?

 

[Bill D]

Most of us launch at Lithia Springs and then have a slip reserved for the weekend. There is usually plenty of parking since most of us bring our trailers back to the cabins.

 

[RiverRat]

Yes launching at Lithia is no problem. Plenty of truck/trailer parking. I have usually launched around 10 am there and have rarely had to wait for another person launching. It's a huge lake with many big launches. Not like up here in southern Wisconsin, where there's very limited access to most lakes. Main lake is pretty clear of any obstacles. Back in some of the coves there will be submerged trees, but it's pretty much all no wake off the main lake so it's not too much to worry about. I had a slip last year, but found that for me launching every time is just as easy. I can have the boat loaded up back at the cabin then launched and be on my way in about the same amount of time as it takes me to lug all the gear down to the slip and uncover the boat. Same goes for pulling out at the end of the day. The rest of my crew doesn't even get out of the boat until we're back at the cabin. Lithia resort is that close to the launch.

Oh yeah, trailering also affords me the opportunity to run into the 'Ville and get gas if I need it, saving a few bucks vs filling up at the marina.

 

[buckbuck]

I do the same thing as @RiverRat . You don't have to slip the boat. The ramp is very nice.

 

[RiverRat]

I once had aspirations to beat @buckbuck to the launch.... I think he's on the water shortly after some of us shut down The Circle for the night...

 

[Speedling]

I once had aspirations to beat @buckbuck to the launch.... I think he's on the water shortly after some of us shut down The Circle for the night...

Lol i have showed up at 3 am before, driven through the night, drove through lithia resorts, and then launched before 4. Post stroke me kinda says that's dumb. I need a lot more sleep now!

 

[BigAbe75]

@OperationROL what's the time frame for posting the registration, schedule, shirt info, etc? There's a big dinner for the group, but are all other meals on our own... or group potlucks on the water? Starting to think about what we should bring.

Thanks!

 

[RiverRat]

@BigAbe75 I believe the big dinner is being held on Friday this year, so that night is covered. There's usually a big group that goes out to the local Mexican joint one of the nights. They close the entire restaurant and serve just the jetboaters.

 

[jcyamaharider]

Like @RiverRat said.....meals at night usually have large groups going into town, meals on the water are what you bring.

 

[jcyamaharider]

My only problem is trying to figure out how to get back to my camper after the circle.....

 

[buckbuck]

If I see you wandering while on the way to the ramp with my family I will deliver you to @jcyamahariders wife .

 

[ar240owner]

I'm so looking foward to this !!!!

 

[sstegh]

I'm so looking foward to this !!!!

Only 5 weeks away!

 

[scot71]

My only problem is trying to figure out how to get back to my camper after the circle.....

We'll have an extra bed in our room if it all goes to hell for ya

 

[jcyamaharider]

If I see you wandering while on the way to the ramp with my family I will deliver you to @jcyamahariders wife .

Actually Jim, it would probably be the other way around. Angie would be wondering and I would be at the camper. LOL

 

[OperationROL]

@BigAbe75 - I am desperately waiting for the final pricing on the shirts before I send the email. You should expect that email tonight or tomorrow!

 

[RiverRat]

 

[Nickp98]

Is it too late to register for this? Might be a possibility that my family and I can make it. Still up in the air... Might have to stay pretty far away is what it looks like as of now...

 

[scot71]

Is it too late to register for this? Might be a possibility that my family and I can make it. Still up in the air... Might have to stay pretty far away is what it looks like as of now...

Not trying to speak for anyone else, but I would say no. Just make sure @OperationROL knows you're thinking about it. The more the merrier.

 

[Bill D]

It's never too late! You may even be lucky enough to score a place nearby with some of the changes that have come up recently. Welcome to the party!