Just my opinion here, so take it what it's worth. Only two events I have been to are the Gorge Run, and AOTH, both a couple times each. Enjoyed every minute of each, and have met sooo many nice folks by doing so.

Advance / set dates seem to be a key ingredient for successful events.

AOTH has had that "weekend before Memorial Day" set in stone, so folks can plan waay in advance for it. Same place every year, with nice & reasonably priced lake-side/slip accommodations. The Gorge Run is just beautiful and I'll always try to make it. I wish we could set that date, although HedgeHog gives quite a bit of notice.

We have wonderful lakes around here, but none have lakeside hotel /restaurant / marina accommodations, which really stinks. Great lakeside campgrounds, but that doesn't really work.

I too, have always been amazed at how far folks have traveled to come to an event. I'm about 6.5 to 7 hours drive pulling to Lake Cumberland, a little over 4 to Chatt, but that pales to compare to what folks from Annapolis, MD, Detroit, MI, Miami, FL, Kansas, etc. have driven. With gas prices these days, I'm sure that has made an understandable dent in folks attendance plans.

Does salt vs. fresh matter ? It doesn't to me, but wondering if it does to some. I thought it'd be cool to have a Donzi Homecoming event every year. Eastern NC, or Miami either way....get Donzi involved in it as well.

I do agree with Scott's post above, that it is waaay more about the friendships forged and camaraderie. Fun, cool, and sometimes fast boats are part of it, but not the point.

Phil S.