Wheeling at Assateague

[Jen2Goofy]

There is some wheeling about 2 hrs north of VA Beach. Here is a link.

http://www.assateagueisland.com/island_info/beach_travel.htm

[gadzo]

sond like a lot of hassle i'll just keep going to corova and the beaches around here

[IH8RDS]

I have heard about that place. I didnt realize it was a yearly permit fee :( I wouldnt mind going there sometime.

[Fozzy_Bear]

sond like a lot of hassle ...

Yeah.


A shovel, jack, a board to support the jack in the sand (12" sq. minimum, 3/4" plywood or 1&1/2" hardwood), and a tow rope or chain (substantial capacity, 10' minimum length) are also required. Fines are charged for each piece of missing required equipment.

[AlxJ64]

sond like a lot of hassle ...

Yeah.


A shovel, jack, a board to support the jack in the sand (12" sq. minimum, 3/4" plywood or 1&1/2" hardwood), and a tow rope or chain (substantial capacity, 10' minimum length) are also required. Fines are charged for each piece of missing required equipment.

They've been suggesting that Down at the Hatteras Cape for several years now. I'm friends with some locals in Frisco and I was talking to them about a month ago and right now the sand tax is about 50/50 in the legislature. The State of NC has been letting the locals vote on the issues and then the Park Department uses those votes in their decisions on land use. The woman I know, said that the last time she heard the vote was about 45%-50% in favor of the Sand Tax.

The legislation they were votingn for would require a yearly permit to be purchased, somewhere in the amount of $50 per Vehicle, per year. Also, in order to apply for the permit you would have to provide proof of a Valid license, proof of Registration and proof of insurance. As well as carry the above said Recovery items in your vehicle, and at any time be required by a Park Official to present and explain the usage of each said item.
Also, there will be a list of Makes and year Models that will not be allowed to apply for the permit. Such vehicles as CRVs, Elements, Subarus, etc. The Wildlife and Park Service claims that the majority of the problems at beach ramps and with stuck vehicles blocking the beach comes from AWD and Low Clearance AWD/4WD cars.

The local woman that I spoke with said that most of the local's opinion on it is that it has gotten too crowded too fast and that the Permit Requirements will keep the people who have no business on the Beach, off of the beach. And allow more room for those who should be there, like the Fishermen, surfers, and 4 Wheel drive guys.



Also, evidently there is a license requirement for surf fishing this year. This what I was told during the Feb Carova Trip, but I have not yet confirmed it.

[gtrsnax]

A shovel, jack, a board to support the jack in the sand (12" sq. minimum, 3/4" plywood or 1&1/2" hardwood), and a tow rope or chain (substantial capacity, 10' minimum length) are also required. Fines are charged for each piece of missing required equipment.

I carry that stuff anyway, it's no big deal

[IH8RDS]

ditto

[danielj903]

I personally wouldn't mind going as long as we can schedual it in a way that I can make sure that I have the $$$ to go. A few required trail items are not that big of a deal and the entrance fee isn't that bad considering the pass is good for a year. If I bought one then I'd probably try to go at least two times just to make it worth it to me.

[Fozzy_Bear]

...
required trail items are not that big of a deal
...


I didn't mean to imply that it WAS a big deal... but in context; a place claiming the right to inspect your vehicle and levy fines accordingly does, in my mind, fit into the "hassle" catagory.

But just to clarify, I am, of course, 100% on board with the idea of that particular equipment being standard and reasonable.

As far as headding up there; I'd have to hear a pretty gleaming report from somebody that it's worth the money. Drive 2 hours south and wheel for free OR drive 2 hourrs north, pay $70 and sumbit to inspections... If somebody said it WAS worth it... I'd consider it though.


+

[IH8RDS]

...
required trail items are not that big of a deal
...


I didn't mean to imply that it WAS a big deal... but in context; a place claiming the right to inspect your vehicle and levy fines accordingly does, in my mind, fit into the "hassle" catagory.

But just to clarify, I am, of course, 100% on board with the idea of that particular equipment being standard and reasonable.

As far as headding up there; I'd have to hear a pretty gleaming report from somebody that it's worth the money. Drive 2 hours south and wheel for free OR drive 2 hourrs north, pay $70 and sumbit to inspections... If somebody said it WAS worth it... I'd consider it though.


+

I know what you mean Fozzy. I probibly would go there unless I lived in the area. It would be neat to see but for free down at the OBX is hard to compete with.

[IH8RDS]

I think they charge that to keep the normal person from wheeling there. Less traffic

[gtrsnax]

I wouldnt mind giving it a shot once, if nothing but for the opportunity to see the wildlife they have there. Plus is has ASS in the name, thats pretty cool, depending on what kind you think of I guess.

One trip to check it out for free or cheap - good deal

One trip to check it out and find that it's boring and still have to pay the fee - not so good

And one ring to rule them all

[AlxJ64]

I think they charge that to keep the normal person from wheeling there. Less traffic

Yep.. and NC is not too far from attempting that Tactic as well.

[gadzo]

the town of nags head already reqiers a permit and it is about $20. There is also talk about shutting down orgeon inlet from wheeling there was a bill passed on sand tax and was revoked back in july of last year a lot of the local bisnisues whent into a uproar a bout it and sent a petition off to the state gov and to our local us senter if a sand tax is going to happen it will be on a federal level apling to federaly owned property

[gadzo]

the town of nags head already reqiers a permit and it is about $20. There is also talk about shutting down orgeon inlet from wheeling there was a bill passed on sand tax and was revoked back in july of last year a lot of the local bisnisues whent into a uproar a bout it and sent a petition off to the state gov and to our local us senter if a sand tax is going to happen it will be on a federal level apling to federaly owned property

[jeepgunner]

assateauge is a good time for nature lovers and surfers/ fisherman. it is less crowded than the banks but dont forget about the 12 dollar bridge-tunnel fee in your travels there. i have never wheeled on assateague island but i have explored it on mountain bike and it was a good time. watch out for mosquitos in the evenings though.